It's been a while...

Exactly a year ago today I took my first tentative steps into the big, scary world of blogging. There's been a lot going on since then, some of it shared here, but so much more in half written, never published posts...

I don't think I realised just how much time and effort was involved. I also think that I bit off more than I could chew in trying to blog regularly as well as juggling a family, a home, a full time job, and a life! But anyhow, what's done is done and I think this might just be the perfect time to get my blogging mojo back.

All I need to do now is resist the lure of Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest long enough to get those posts published!

Flower power/better late than never...

What feels like an eternity ago I went to Vic Brotherson's floral masterclass at Couverture. Vic owns Scarlet & Violet, possibly the most beautiful florist shop in world. I may be a little biased, but not without good reason...

Just over two years ago, I was sat in the shop happily and excitedly chatting about flowers for my wedding.  In a bid to help me make a decision, I was taken 'around the back' to see the flowers they were working on for a wedding that weekend. They were perfect, almost exactly what I had in mind. It wasn't until a few weeks later that I realised whose they were... (early July 2011, can you guess?!) Suffice to say, it's someone I'm rather proud to share my taste in flowers with.

Anyway, the masterclass was fab. Vic put together a few displays, talking us through each as she went. There were hints and tips aplenty, with questions being fired at her about where to buy, how to trim, what to look for, you name it!

I couldn't think of a nicer way to spend a few hours, I certainly left inspired to try out what I learnt at home.

Lately...

December, where did it go?!

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last posted. So much has happened, yet I've also had the most relaxing Christmas break. Ever.

The list is still going strong... I made it to the Donna Wilson sample sale (it was fab), but not Chris Bracey's exhibition. I'm still hopeful though as it's on for another week and I'm pretty sure I can get there and back in my lunch hour! 

Mila and I also ventured out to the East London Design Show and discovered the treasure trove that is Brixton East. We made a couple of trips over to Victoria Park, where we found a lovely little  place to warm up afterwards, Loafing on Lauriston Rd.

Christmas seemed to be over in the blink of an eye, but the best thing about it was that both my husband and I had two weeks off work... Yep, two whole weeks. We intended to make the most of it with days out, but actually just enjoyed being at home, as a family. We even managed a few long overdue home improvements!

I had planned to do so much in my Christmas break. Finish some half written blog posts, set up my little online shop, make things, you know, nothing in particular, just something! As I'm sure you've guessed though, most of these fell by the wayside. But, it does mean that I have a ready made 'to do' list for 2013.

Happy new year, I've got a feeling it's going to be a good one...

Christmas gift guide

Shopping is one of my most favourite pastimes. Well it's not the shopping exactly, but the looking. I can spend hours happily browsing without a care in the world, in real bricks & mortar stores, or online, I'm not fussy!

I've put together a few of my favourite finds as a bit of a christmas gift guide type thing, and just in case my husband reads this, I'd be happy with any of them!

For monochrome loving mums...

Handbag frenchenglish on Etsy, cup & saucer House of Rym at Couverture, tray nionio design, candle in a tin Anthropologie

Blanket Lucky Boy Sunday at Cissywears, cloud & raindrops mobile The Butter Flying at Darling Clementine, owl cushion Donna Wilson, squirrel dress YMC

And for little princesses with a penchant for neon pink...

Necklace & tutu both Atsuyo et Akiko, shoes Start Rite at Smallable, Clap USB mini camera at Fab

Things to do, places to go, people to see...

I love a good list. In fact without them I'd be lost. Remembering things is just not my forte... Obviously I'm not going to share the boring ones like my shopping list, or jobs to do around the house, but something a little more interesting.

Recently, as and when I've come across somewhere or something I think will be fun, I've started jotting it down. I like to try and do at least one nice thing a week with Mila (working mother's guilt) so we've called it our 'things to do, places to go, people to see' list, and it's now got pride of place on the fridge door.

We're getting quite a collection of things for December, so I thought I'd share a few of them with you.

Donna Wilson  & YMC Sample Sales 30th November

I'm very excited about this, so much so I'm taking the day off work to go. With Donna's scarves and plates from £10 it's the perfect opportunity for a spot of Christmas shopping, or perhaps to find a little something for me! Luckily it happens to coincide with the You Must Create sample sale being held just around the corner so double whammy!

Donna Wilson Studio
Unit 12, 3rd Floor, 10-14 Hollybush Gardens, E2 9QP
www.donnawilson.com

YMC
28 Redchurch Street, London, E2 7DP
www.youmustcreate.com


A Most Curious Kids Fair 2nd December

A fair few of my most favourite shops and brands all under one roof, hurrah! Especially looking forward to seeing Cissywears, Little Nest Box, Home and Kids and Molly Meg. With vintage tea room and Santa's grotto to keep the kids happy, it's got to be a winner...

York Hall, 5 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PJ
www.amostcuriousbabyfair.co.uk


Chris Bracey's 'Gods own junk yard' at Circus of Soho until 15th January

Typography and neon, a match made in heaven as far as I'm concerned. An exhibition and pop-up shop full to the rafters with Chris's amazing neon signs. It'll be looking only though at this one, with works starting at £950 it's a bit out of my price range!

Circus of Soho
47 Beak St, Soho, W1F 9SE
www.godsownjunkyard.co.uk

Knitting news

Contrary to expectations, the knitting is coming along quite nicely. The hat's done and dusted, and the scarf is almost there...

I've kept it simple and stuck to garter stitch. It's good for people like me who are inclined to forget what they're doing half way through a row! I don't think I'll be increasing my stitch repertoire any time soon, but I've got my eye on a slightly more challenging project, a jumper for Mila.

I've seen a pattern on the very cute French blog Les Tricots de Granny. It's perfect for me in that it's knitted in one piece, with none of that shaping nonsense! I'm going to give it a try, and with a bit of luck it'll be finished for Christmas.

all images Les Tricots de Granny

Meow meow...

Mila has been obsessed with cats for as long as I can remember. Just walking to school she has a lengthy conversation with each and every feline friend she comes across. She regularly asks for one, but I've always said no, coming up with one excuse after another, until now...

Her persistence seems to have paid off as I've found myself trawling Preloved and Kittenlist, and today I think I've found the one for us. He reminds me of Mog from the Judith Kerr books, all wide eyed and bemused looking! He's currently in a rescue centre about 200 miles away, but we've arranged to go and meet him and if all goes well he might just be coming home with us...

In other cat related news, here's a couple more kittys I've fallen for recently!

Mog plate Donna Wilson

Cat rug Bobo Choses